Jalan Raja is one of the prominent streets if one is sightseeing around Kuala Lumpur because along here is the St Mary’s Cathedral, among other landmarks. For tourists and locals alike, you will constantly see large groups of people here taking pictures or simply enjoying the sceneries.
One of the oldest churches in Malaysia
Located along the Dataran Merdeka or Independence Square, the St Mary’s Cathedral is a very old building which was founded in 1894. This Anglican church was then used as the place of worship and has been playing that role ever since.
How St Mary’s Cathedral came about
The architect behind St Mary’s Cathedral was A.C.A Norman who adopted the early English Gothic motif in the design, something which stands out prominently even today. Known in full as The Cathedral of St. Mary the Virgin, this church plays a prominent role in the Christian community as it is the Diocese of West Malaysia of the Anglican Church of the Province of South East Asia.
Prominent church for Anglicans in Malaysia
Besides that, it is the mother church of the diocese and the Episcopal see of the Anglican Bishop of West Malaysia. Its original location was on Bluff Road which is the present Bukit Aman before moving here in 1893.
Today, it remains as one of the most historical landmarks of Malaysia which together with the surroundings of Dataran Merdeka are among the most popular tourist attractions in the Klang Valley. After all, it is within reach of the Dataran Merdeka, Sultan Abdul Samad Building and the Dayabumi Complex. Along the way, you will be able to reach the likes of the National Mosque, the Kuala Lumpur Railway Station and Central Market.